Gears, Speed & MPG

[markb422]

The 4.3 should keep you around 2000 to 2100 rpm at 63 or 64 mph.

[Cumminz]

I really don't like driving at 70. 63-65 would be great.

[FirstTracks]

Originally Posted by W5CI

Normally only 3/4 and 1 ton diesels have 4.10's. and not many of those.

My 1/2-ton Toyota Tundra has 4.30 stock.

[FFred]

IF you know you will usually be traveling below the speeds on your highway , stop at a truck stop and purchase a roll of Conspicuity tape.

This will help folks spot your tail.

Amazon.com: Conspicuity Tape Hug Flight 2"x150' Dot Class 2 ...


https://www.amazon.com/Conspicuity-H.../dp/B00Y2CBBSM

[dmdomokos]

Originally Posted by Moparman1230

I drove a tractor trailer for FedEx Express. I can tell you our trucks are governed to 63.

FedEx trucks on I15 in Utah don't go 63mph. They pull 2 trailers and drive 75 plus. If that's against their policy then these drivers are not complying.

[dmdomokos]

Originally Posted by Jonol

m35a2, you look convince that your TT can stop faster then a big rig and that is fine with me, but be carefull ??
They have a lot more tires and bigger tires on the ground then my TT and my truck!

I think that feeling comes from what your TV is and what you're trailer weight is. I tow with a 3/4 ton and trailer is 7500lbs. Everybody's rig would be different. I haven't come close to sliding into a Simi when stopping in a hurry in stop and go traffic.

[Super 8]

Good Year Load Range E
Goodyear Endurance
Size: ST225/75R15
Trailer Use Only
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Load Range: E
Max Load 2,830 lbs
Speed Rating 87 mph
Max Inflation 80 psi
Made in USA

[tuckerdog1]

I would not concern myself with slowing drivers behind me. Stay to the right when possible. If not possible, be courteous when you're able to allow them to pass. I don't know when this was put together, but it appears speeds over 60/65 ( some states even lower ) are illegal in most states when towing a trailer.

http://onlinetowingguide.com/pdfs/StateTowingLaws.pdf

Tuckerdog

[m35a2]

Originally Posted by Jonol

m35a2, you look convince that your TT can stop faster then a big rig and that is fine with me, but be carefull ??
They have a lot more tires and bigger tires on the ground then my TT and my truck!

I don't think I said that.

Whether I can stop faster than a tractor is irrelevant. What's relevant is that I know how long it takes me to stop, and that I make sure to have that distance available.

[Jonol]

Well good lock m35a2 if the trafic stop suddenly!
Be carefull out there!

[Ron045]

So here are the results today.
I-75 in FL and GA.
At 62 mph for the first 100 miles
Just under 2000 rpm
9 mpg.
At 65 mph for the next 100 miles
2100 rpm
8.5 mpg
Settled on 64 for the rest of the trip. We enjoyed the drive in the right lane as everyone (including the trucks) passed us by. It was relaxing.

My tires say they are rated at 75. Nice to know I can do it if I need to.

I appreciate all of the tips and advice.

[benagi]

Originally Posted by dmdomokos

FedEx trucks on I15 in Utah don't go 63mph. They pull 2 trailers and drive 75 plus. If that's against their policy then these drivers are not complying.

I was just behind a FedEx double south of Salt Lake on my way home last week and he was running just under 70 in heavy traffic.

[Cumminz]

Originally Posted by markb422

The 4.3 should keep you around 2000 to 2100 rpm at 63 or 64 mph.

I am turning 2000 at 70.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Go 55 on the interstate if you want, people can pass. Set cruise and cruise. 55 will always get better economy than 70 towing a full size travel trailer, I don't care what people want to think about their powerband. Me I end up around 70 normally on our interstates. I know I could get a couple mpg more backing off. I do like to find a speed where the truck runs 2000 RPM weather it's in 6th, which happens to be 70, or 5th, or even 4th at lower speeds. The lower speeds still get better MPG towing this brick even though they are in the lower gears. Many, many commercial fleets are limited to 60 or 65 mph because it really does save the company millions in gas.

PS going from 10 to 7 isn't just a few MPG, it's a 30% hit, if your 30 mpg car dropped to 21mpg it would be the same overall cost increase for gas. Over 1000 mile trip it costs about 3 hours of time but saves over $100 in gas. $33/he is better pay than I get at work and driving down the highway is a lot easier than the work I do day to day. Your experience may differ.

This is a conversation that occurs every few weeks on the RV forums. Some claim better fuel economy at higher speeds and some better by hanging down around 55.

I tend to start with the POSTED speed for towing which is almost almost the same speed as is posted for trucks and adjust for conditions.

I know that MY vehicle does best at 55 MPH on normal terrain and in mountain terrain the speed is pretty much determined by the grades.

The little amount of time saved by driving with the faster traffic is rather expensive time.

I like the comment one made several years ago "I going as fast as I can afford". When doing that just be sure to factor in tire damage and legal expenses in the form of traffic tickets.

BTW, I usually find lots of company in the "Slow Lane" and they aren't all behind me.

[mwdilday]

I tow at 60-65. My 7.3 F-350 would tow in high gear at that speed and downshift on hills. Normally around 10 mpg at those speeds. I now have a 2017 F-350 Diesel Dually with a Cedar Creek Champagne 38EL on order. Anxious to see how that combo does.

[BuzzWolfAR]

Originally Posted by mwdilday

I tow at 60-65. My 7.3 F-350 would tow in high gear at that speed and downshift on hills. Normally around 10 mpg at those speeds. I now have a 2017 F-350 Diesel Dually with a Cedar Creek Champagne 38EL on order. Anxious to see how that combo does.

My 2014 F350 got 13 for a 2500 mile trip pulling a 6,000 pound box shaped Jayco going 65. Very happy with it. Get 15.5 around town.

[Cumminz]

4.30 gears with 19.5" tires

[mwdilday]

Originally Posted by BuzzWolfAR

My 2014 F350 got 13 for a 2500 mile trip pulling a 6,000 pound box shaped Jayco going 65. Very happy with it. Get 15.5 around town.

That is pretty good. I could get about 11 or so at 65 towing a 10,000 lb Forest River with the 2017 F-350 6.7. Only took one trip with the new truck before we sold our old trailer. I doubt I will get more than 8 with the 18,000 lb 5th wheel when it comes.